It’s funny really. I found this song (”I Believe (In Everything)” – Mofro) just a few days ago, and it’s a very fitting song for the situation I now find myself in — without a job. I definitely did not see it coming, nor did anyone else who was laid off today.

I don’t really have a lot to say. As I found myself in a room with such words as “severance” and “COBRA” and “unemployment” being used, I found myself in silent shock. This morning I came to work as if it were any other day. Today, I left early, and suddenly unemployed.

I don’t know what my feelings are. I do know that as I packed my things and a few people came by without saying anything, just looking at me sadly. One coworker even cried, which made me cry too. It’s just so strange. I’ve spent the last 16 months of my life working there, going to that office 5 days a week for 8 hours a day. It is just as strange to me to think of not going there anymore as it was to leave high school and not go there anymore.

I am extremely grateful for the time that I spent there and with those people. I could not have asked for a more worthwhile and extraordinary experience right out of high school. I only hope that I can continue picking up steam from where I am.

As for what’s next, I don’t really know. School complicates things because it makes it difficult to find a job with a flexible schedule. Maybe I’ll work on freelancing and try to build that business. Maybe I’ll get a “normal” job for someone my age. Maybe the recruiters will be able to help me find a job that works.

I do know that I have no hard feelings for anyone left at VoiceBox. I am happy for those that got to stay and sad for those that had to do the laying off. It was a terrible situation, and it was nobody’s fault but the effects of the economy.

“I believe in what I can’t change, and a hard lesson learned, and the strength from my pain.”